CS Machogu Issues Directives to School Heads Ahead of Reopening
On May 2, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu issued strict guidelines to head teachers in preparation for the reopening of schools on May 8.
Machogu emphasized the need for head teachers to ensure that the meals served to students are safe for consumption, following reports of suspected food poisoning in some schools.
He also called for regular inspection of water used for drinking and cooking in all institutions across the country to ensure its safety. Machogu warned teachers against the use of corporal punishment, stating that it is a criminal act that would result in prosecution.
He disclosed that the Government had disbursed Ksh9.6 billion to Junior Secondary Schools and urged school heads to use the funds prudently. Machogu further explained that the government was working on measures to streamline the curriculum by reducing the number of subjects being taught in schools.
The directives from Machogu came after two schools in Kakamega county, Mukumu Girls and Butere Boys High Schools, were closed due to a disease outbreak that led to the deaths of three students and a teacher at Sacred Heart Mukumu.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) revealed that the students at Mukumu Girls’ High School suffered from a double infection of gastroenteritis and amoeba. Most students complained of severe stomach upsets and abdominal discomfort, and scores of them had to be admitted to various health facilities within Kakamega.
As schools prepare to reopen for the second term, it is essential to ensure the safety of the students by providing them with safe meals and drinking water. The government’s disbursement of Ksh9.6 billion to Junior Secondary Schools is a significant investment in the education sector, and it is vital that school heads use the funds prudently.
The reduction of subjects being taught in schools is a welcome move as it will help streamline the curriculum and enable students to focus on the essential areas of study. It is crucial to avoid the use of corporal punishment in schools as it is a criminal offense that could lead to prosecution.
Overall, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of the students in all aspects of school operations.
CS Machogu Issues Directives to School Heads Ahead of Reopening
